to say or write something to someone because you want them to give you information, help, advice, etc., to request something from someone, especially in a polite or formal way, to invite someone to do something or go somewhere

ask around, ask for trouble, ask for someone's hand in marriage

Formal and Informal Expressions of ask

In different contexts, you can replace 'ask' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'inquire, request' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hit up, hit' is a commonplace synonym.

ask: Explore its Definition & Usage

ask Definition

1to say or write something to someone because you want them to give you information, help, advice, etc.
2to request something from someone, especially in a polite or formal way
3to invite someone to do something or go somewhere

Using ask: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ask" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I need to ask you a question.
Example
Can I ask for your help?
Example
She asked me to come to her party.
Example
He asked her out on a date.

ask Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ask

Antonyms for ask

Phrases with ask

ask around
to ask many people in order to get information or help
Example
I asked around but no one knows where the meeting is.
ask for trouble
to behave in a way that is likely to cause problems or difficulties
Example
If you don't study for the exam, you're asking for trouble.
ask for someone's hand in marriage
to propose marriage to someone
Example
He asked for her hand in marriage and she said yes.

Origins of ask

from Old English 'ascian'

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Summary: ask in Brief

To 'ask' [æsk] is to request information, help, advice, or something else from someone. It can also mean to invite someone to do something or go somewhere. Phrases like 'ask around' and 'ask for trouble' use 'ask' to denote seeking information or causing problems, respectively. 'Ask for someone's hand in marriage' means to propose marriage.